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Competitive gaming makes its debut at one of London’s longest standing cultural events this weekend

Jake MacDonald, a Western Fair District photographer/graphic designer (left), and Robyn Baker, the organization’s senior events co-ordinator, are ready to press start inside the Progress Building where free play video game sessions and mini tournaments will take place throughout this year’s 10-day Western Fair. (CHRIS MONTANINI, Londoner)

You won’t see rocket-powered, soccer-playing battle cars at The Grandstand during this year’s Western Fair, but not far from the demolition derby and FMX freestyle motorscross races, organizers are preparing the Progress Building for the next best thing.

Competitive gaming, including a two-day open Rocket League tournament with a $5,000 prize pool, will be the newest wrinkle during the Western Fair District’s annual 10-day fall festival beginning this weekend.

For the unfamiliar, Rocket League is a video game that’s become extremely popular in the growing world of esports. Generally played one-on-one, two-on-two, or three-on-three, the game takes place on a futuristic soccer pitch where players use rocket-powered cars to knock a giant ball into their opponent’s goal.

It’s the kind of thing that wouldn’t be out of place at one of London’s annual comic book conventions, where esports tournaments have been taking place beside other pop culture events for a few years now.

But Heather Blackwell, Western Fair District’s director of rural and urban affairs, said the rapidly growing esports trend could also be a big boost for their long-standing fall festival as organizers search for creative ways to keep the fair relevant.

“Looking for new and exciting experiences for customers is not a new challenge,” she said via email. “In 1883, the Western Fair featured a new attraction amongst its predominantly agricultural showcase called the Electric Light Show. For many visitors, it was their first encounter with an amazing thing called electricity. We hope (esports), which is a fairly new trend in gaming, will provide a similar WOW experience for all our guests.”

Helping organize the Rocket League tournament is Millennial Esports (formerly Pro Gaming League), a Toronto-based gaming and digital media company that manages a permanent 500-seat esports studio and arena in downtown Las Vegas.

Adam Morrison, Millennial’s chief technology officer, said the tournament in London will be the company’s first in Canada.

“We thought that it was time to start supporting some of the communities back home,” Morrison said in an email. “We are hoping that this event will work as a catalyst to attract a new demographic to the fair and establish an opportunity to grow and support the vibrant gaming communities we have seen growing organically throughout (Southwestern) Ontario.”

The Rocket League tournament is completely open and takes place Sept. 16-17. Players can register (for an entry fee of $25) at westernfairdistrict.com.

The Progress Building will also host mini tournaments and free play sessions throughout the fair’s 10 days, and that includes titles Madden 17 and Halo 5.

Morrison added that spectators — a major part of esports events — should expect something different from what they’re used to.

“Esports events are not only known for their audio and visual overloads but also for their fans and audiences,” he said. “We hope to capture some of that energy to showcase what has bred (this) entirely new generation of spectator sport.”

Besides the addition of gaming in the Progress Building, Skye Nicholson-Smith, Western Fair District’s marketing and communications manager, said organizers have made an effort to bring back or expand a number of fan favourite events.

“We want to make sure we provide a fair that is what our community is looking for, because it really is a community event,” she said. “It’s a 142-year-old tradition, so we certainly want to ensure that London comes down and really enjoy themselves.”

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Here are a few other things to look forward to:

Concerts

After missing an outdoor gig at the fair due to rain, the Sheepdogs are coming back to play the Agriplex Sept. 14th. They’re being joined by fellow main stage guests 54-40 on Sept. 8, LoCash on Sept. 12, and Cam on Sept. 13. Local acts covering a variety of different genres will also be playing throughout the week at the I Love Local tent:

Down on the Farm will take place at both the Agriplex and Queen’s Park this year. Over 800 animals are expected at the fair along with Cowboy Fred’s C-More Country Corral, kiddie tractor pulls, daily horse-shoeing, sheep shearing, cow milking, dairy and beef breed displays, swine and poultry, sulky rides, and farm and food related exhibitors.

On opening weekend, the Rawhide Rodeo will feature professional cowboys and girls at The Grandstand, which will also host a demolition derby and motocross races later in the week.

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Family Fun

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol, and Skye and Rubble will all be making appearances at the fair. The Cutest Show on Earth takes place weekdays and offers kids a live theatre experience. The Creative Arts Competition displays in the Canada Building include crafts, art, baking, photography, flowers, and more. Finally, don’t forget the Rise 2 Fame competition finals will take place during the course of the fair. This year’s Fiddle and Step competition takes place Sept. 16.

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Day of Dreams

Besides opening up the fair to more than 2,000 students this year, Nicholson Smith said more children with special needs will also get exclusive access during Day of Dreams Sept. 13. The fair will open early for special needs children and their families when the event’s many sounds and smells are a little less resounding. “It is quite unique for children with special needs to be able to share positive experiences with siblings,” said Janet Reljic, a parent who attended the event last year with her sons. “I am always looking for ideas to create a positive bond between my special needs son and his brother. Under normal circumstances we would not attend an event like the Western Fair as a family, and we are grateful to the Day of Dreams for hosting this.”